Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Explore the Wonders of New Zealand: Beaches, Hot Springs, Wine Tours & Hiking (March 12-27, 2025)

Viewed by 65 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on March 12, 2025

10:00 AM

Check-in to Hotel

Settle into your accommodation, such as the SkyCity Hotel, which offers great views of the city.
NZD250, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Depot

Enjoy a casual meal at Depot, known for its Kiwi-style tapas and fresh ingredients.
NZD30, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Auckland Waterfront

Stroll along the bustling waterfront to take in views of the harbor and iconic Sky Tower.
Free, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Auckland Domain

Relax in Auckland’s oldest park, featuring beautiful gardens and the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
NZD20, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Grove

Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Grove, focusing on seasonal New Zealand cuisine.
NZD100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 2: Travel to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand on March 13, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel the day ahead.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Rotorua

Take a scenic 3-hour drive to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.
Free, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Eat Street

Grab lunch at Eat Street, featuring a variety of restaurants serving diverse cuisines.
NZD35, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Te Puia

Experience Maori culture and see the famous Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia.
NZD60, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Unwind in the geothermal pools at Polynesian Spa, famous for its mineral-rich waters.
NZD45, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Enjoy a rustic dining experience with local ingredients at Atticus Finch.
NZD80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 3: Adventures in Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand on March 14, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Start your day with delicious brunch options at this local favorite.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hiking at Redwoods Forest

Experience breathtaking trails among the soaring redwoods with options for all skill levels.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Fat Dog

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with traditional Kiwi pies and burgers at this quirky eatery.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Zorbing at OGO

Experience the thrill of rolling down a hill in a giant inflatable ball.
NZD49, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore the colorful geothermal features and lady knox geyser at this unique attraction.
NZD32, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Eat Streat

Choose from diverse food options on this popular dining strip in the heart of Rotorua.
NZD45, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 4: Travel to Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand on March 15, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a warm breakfast to start your day.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Taupo

Take a scenic drive to Taupo, about 1 hour away, known for its stunning lake views.
Free, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Huka Falls

Witness the power of Huka Falls, where the Waikato River thunders over a cliff.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Bistro

Savor local dishes made from fresh ingredients at this cozy bistro.
NZD40, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Relax at Taupo Hot Springs

Unwind in the natural hot springs surrounding Taupo for a rejuvenating experience.
NZD20, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Lake Taupo

Take a leisurely walk or bike ride around the waterfront of Lake Taupo.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Ploughmans

Enjoy a delightful dinner with a focus on local sourcing at this popular restaurant.
NZD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Taupo

Day 5: Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand on March 16, 2025

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Get an early start with breakfast to prepare for hiking.
NZD25, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Tongariro National Park

A short scenic drive to Tongariro National Park, approximately 1 hour.
Free, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Embark on the famous 19.4 km hike through stunning landscapes featuring crater lakes.
Free, 7 hours

5:00 PM

Drive to Wellington

Head to Wellington after your hike, approximately a 4.5-hour drive.
Free, 5 hours

10:00 PM

Late Dinner at Havana

Relax with some tapas or drinks at Havana, a cozy Wellington bar.
NZD50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tongariro National Park

Day 6: Discover Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand on March 17, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Hobbit Cafe

Start your day with themed breakfast options at this iconic location.
NZD35, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand’s national museum that showcases the country's history, art, and culture.
Free, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Waterfront

Enjoy lunch at a café along the vibrant waterfront area of Wellington.
NZD40, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Cable Car Ride to Kelburn

Experience a delightful ride offering panoramic views of the city and harbor.
NZD8, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Wellington Botanic Garden

Wander through beautiful gardens showcasing local flora and fauna.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Logan Brown

Indulge in an exquisite dinner featuring local seafood and seasonal produce.
NZD120, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 7: Travel to Nelson

Nelson, New Zealand on March 18, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Fuel up with a filling breakfast before your travel.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Nelson

Enjoy the 1.5-hour scenic drive to the sunny city of Nelson.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Explore Nelson Market

Browse through the local crafts and fresh produce at the vibrant market.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Styx

Taste local dishes at this popular casual eatery known for its ambiance.
NZD35, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit World of WearableArt Museum

Discover the creative and interactive exhibits at this unique museum.
NZD20, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Tahunanui Beach

Spend some time at this family-friendly beach known for its golden sands.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hopgoods

Savor a delightful dinner at this restaurant known for its fresh local seafood.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nelson

Day 8: Explore Marlborough Wine Region

Blenheim, New Zealand on March 19, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out to the vineyards.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Marlborough Wine Region

Embark on a short 30-minute drive to the renowned wine region known for Sauvignon Blanc.
Free, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Wine Tasting at Cloudy Bay

Sample acclaimed wines at Cloudy Bay winery, one of the area's finest.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Brancott Estate

Enjoy a meal with stunning vineyard views at Brancott Estate restaurant.
NZD65, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Yealands Estate

Discover eco-friendly practices and taste more great wines at Yealands Estate.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Explore Picton

Visit the charming port town of Picton, gateway to the Marlborough Sounds.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Crab Pot

Finish the day with fresh seafood dishes at this cozy restaurant on the waterfront.
NZD85, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Blenheim

Day 9: Kaikoura Coastline

Kaikoura, New Zealand on March 20, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the coast.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Kaikoura

Travel to Kaikoura, known for its marine wildlife, a scenic drive of approximately 1.5 hours.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Seal Colony Walk

Take a stroll to the seal colony at Point Kean and watch these amazing creatures.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Pier Hotel

Savor delicious local dishes with an ocean view at The Pier Hotel.
NZD40, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a whale watching tour, the ideal way to see New Zealand's marine life up close.
NZD150, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Kaikoura Town

Wander around this charming town and visit local shops or galleries.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Green Dolphin Restaurant

Finish the day with fresh seafood and a welcoming atmosphere at Green Dolphin.
NZD75, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kaikoura

Day 10: Travel to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on March 21, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Christchurch.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Christchurch

A 2-hour scenic drive to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Canterbury Museum

Explore natural and cultural history exhibits at this impressive museum.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Monday Room

Dine at The Monday Room for contemporary Kiwi cuisine in a chic setting.
NZD50, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Explore Hagley Park

Go for a leisurely walk or bike ride through Christchurch's largest park.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Fiddlesticks

Enjoy a delightful meal at Fiddlesticks, known for its fresh ingredients and seasonality.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 11: Travel to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand on March 22, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel in Christchurch.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Queenstown

Take a scenic drive to Queenstown, approximately 5 hours through beautiful landscapes.
Free, 5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Vudu Cafe

Indulge in delicious breakfast and lunch options with locally roasted coffee.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Lake Wakatipu

Walk along the picturesque shores of Lake Wakatipu and enjoy stunning mountain views.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Gondola Ride to Bob's Peak

Take a gondola ride up to Bob's Peak for panoramic views of Queenstown.
NZD44, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Skyline Restaurant

Enjoy a buffet-style dinner with breathtaking views from Skyline Restaurant.
NZD90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 12: Hiking & Adventure in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand on March 23, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bunker

Start your day with a filling breakfast at this popular Queenstown café.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Day Trip to Milford Sound

Embark on a spectacular day trip to Milford Sound, known for its stunning fjords.
NZD120, 10 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

End your adventurous day with delicious dishes in a cozy setting at Botswana Butchery.
NZD80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 13: Relax in Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand on March 24, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before starting your day.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Wanaka

A short 1-hour drive takes you to the picturesque town of Wanaka.
Free, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Lake Wanaka

Stroll by beautiful Lake Wanaka, perfect for photos and relaxation.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Bistro Gentil

Savor local produce and wines with stunning views at this bistro.
NZD60, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Hike to Mount Aspiring Viewpoint

Take a leisurely hike to the viewpoint for breathtaking views of the mountains.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Kika

End your day with a delicious meal featuring locally inspired dishes.
NZD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 14: Return to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand on March 25, 2025

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading back to Queenstown.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive back to Queenstown

An easy drive back to Queenstown to wrap up your trip.
Free, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Last-minute shopping

Explore Queenstown shops for souvenirs and local crafts.
Variable, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Savor the famous Fergburger before your departure.
NZD20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Airport Transfer

Prepare for your flight home or to your next destination.
Variable, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Queenstown
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed